Gold Pan Closure Area Reduced

More access for the public is the reason for a condensed closure around the Gold Pan Complex of forest fires in the West Fork Ranger District.

Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Julie King signed the order this week, which moves the boundary back to the Hells Half Road on the Magruder Corridor (see map).

Fales Flat and Deep Creek Campground and dispersed sites along the Magruder Road are open.

The Selway Road to Paradise is expected to open September 14, Saturday. Also open are these trails: 4, 13, 19, 31, 32, 36, 37, 67, 73, 142, 705.

The Gold Pan Complex has burned 42,927 acres, according to Joni Lubke of the Bitterroot National Forest. The fire in Cayuse Creek has moved north and northeast. The Nez Peak fire is in Cayuse Creek and is moving east slowly. The fire east of Blue Joint Creek is spreading east toward Razorback Ridge and north up Jack the Ripper Creek toward Nez Perce Pass and Castle Rock.

Those traveling in the area should be cautious of falling snags or trees, rolling rocks and debris. With increased rainfall, there could be mudflows.